Conservative response to the US withdrawing equipment from UK military bases

Mark Francois MP, Shadow Defence Minister, said:

"Britain's national security is under threat. Our adversaries are testing our resolve, our military infrastructure, and our relationships with our closest allies. Yet Labour is showing weakness when Britain needs strength. And Burnham's refusal to wake up to the threats we face is putting us in danger.

The Conservatives are the only party taking the defence of our nation seriously. We have set out a fully costed plan to spend 3% of GDP on defence by 2030, and this is only possible because we are willing to cut Labour's ballooning benefits bill.

Burnham must reflect on why the United States felt they could no longer rely on British bases and ask himself whether his refusal to cut welfare spending is worth putting our relationship with our closest allies, and our country, at risk."

ENDS

Alicia Kearns MP, Shadow Foreign Minister, said:

"Labour cannot keep putting their heads in the sand. Iran continues to threaten Britain, hack our companies, and radicalise our citizens, yet this government responds with handshakes. 

"Until Burnham grows a backbone and takes defence seriously, our allies won't trust us. Words mean nothing without real action.

"Labour must answer a simple question. Did they warn our allies of an impending attack or do America no longer think UK military bases are safe?